Saturday, July 2, 2011

Watercolor & Oil Pastel Batik

For our watercolor week in the 1s/2s class I was planning for an ice painting and oil pastel resist project like we did in the mixed age class. Before class began I came across some extra fabric lying around and decided to experiment with an oil pastel and watercolor batik instead. I taped the fabric to a tray so that it wouldn't move around when the kids tried to draw on it. I first offered them white oil pastels to use on white cotton fabric, which is not at all exciting to toddlers (even when I tried to explain that they would magically see their drawing appear when they painted it). Here, a big sister demonstrates the first step.

After a very brief drawing experience, I offered the kids liquid watercolor to paint onto their work.

Even with the light pressure of a toddler, the oil pastel still showed up and resisted the watercolor, creating a batik effect.

After trying out the batiks, I finally brought out the ice painting project- offering them colorful oil pastels, watercolor ice paints and paper.

Eventually the kids began to collect items from the shelf to use in their paintings.

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About Me

Thanks for stopping by! I’m an artist, entrepreneur, mother of 2, and early childhood educator. I began my career as a preschool teacher, deeply intrigued by the use of art in the preschools of Reggio Emilia, Italy. While working towards a Masters in education, I had the amazing opportunity to take part in a study tour of the preschools in Reggio Emilia. This experience has shaped who I am as a teacher, an artist, and business owner.
In January of 2010 I began offering toddler art classes in my back cottage. This wonderful experience lead to the creation of The Art Pantry, an online shop for children's art supplies and creative resource for parents and caregivers.
I am extremely passionate about what I do and love sharing it all with you.
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**megan@theartpantry.com**